Lie by Night: An Out of Darkness novel (Entangled Ignite) by Cathy Marlowe

Forrester.”
    Emma’s glance sliced to him. He looked not at the picture but straight at her, as if weighing her response…as if judging her. As if judging Jacob.
    She glared at him.
    “Oh yes, if this is Forrester, they certainly knew each other.” Cherise nodded brightly.
    “My brother never mentioned knowing, let alone being close to, Alistair Forrester.” Emma struggled to control her temper. Jacob had told her he’d only recently met the man in the photograph. Maybe Cherise had seen them together at a party, but they had only Cherise’s word that they were thick as thieves . The woman had to be lying, because Jacob would never lie to her. She was sure of it.
    An uneasy thought nibbled at her certainty. Would he lie to protect her? Perhaps lie by omission?
    Brushing the troubling questions aside, she returned her attention to Cherise. Her brother was her brother, period. The trust between them was absolute.
    “You know, I’m quite certain I saw them together more than once.” Cherise smiled at Cole before turning back to Emma. “Jacob had bills. School wasn’t cheap for either of you. He’d been looking for other work. Now that I think of it, he started his incessant traveling shortly after this party.” She fluttered her fingers at the picture.
    Emma stiffened. “Jacob wasn’t worried about money enough to take another job. He’s dedicated to serving his country.”
    The woman inclined her elegant head. “Dear Emma, he just didn’t want to worry you.”
    Emma didn’t believe her for one second.
    “If you hear from Jacob, will you let us know?” Cole pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Cherise. “You’ve been very helpful. We appreciate it.”
    Cherise sighed. “I wish I could help more. Unfortunately, I haven’t see Jacob since several weeks before I moved to Paris. He was such a charming young man.”
    Emma stood. “Was?” Blood pounded in her ears.
    “Oh dear, no, I just meant, well, I miss him.” Cherise inclined her head in Emma’s direction. “I’m sure he’s fine. Probably busy working. Maybe for this, um, Monsieur Forrester.” She lowered her voice. “Incognito, if you know what I mean.” A hint of stress around her eyes belied her light tone.
    Emma turned to Cole, who smiled at Cherise, his eyes intent on hers. “Emma, do you mind waiting for me at the door?”
    Emma’s frustration overflowed. How stupid was Cole? Falling for Cherise’s act when it was obvious she was trying cast Jacob in the role of villain. Emma rose. “Thank you so much for your help, Cherise.” She forced a smile at Cole. “I’ll be in the entry.”
    “I’ll be right behind you.” A note of warning accompanied the word.
    Ignoring him, Emma retrieved the backpack, spun, and exited the room. When she reached the front door, she fought the urge to jerk it open and flee. Although Cole believed Jacob was in cahoots with Alistair Forrester, she knew her brother would have a good explanation for everything once they found him.
    Fine. If Cole intended to follow the wrong information, then she would search on her own. She yanked the door open and hurried through the courtyard, not stopping until she reached the sidewalk. She’d start with Cherise’s misinformation. There was only one reason why Cherise would work so hard to cast doubt on Jacob.
    Cherise was involved in whatever conspiracy had entrapped them.
    She looked about at the unfamiliar surroundings as realization hit. What had Cherise told them? Exactly nothing. So now where was she going? Cole was still her best bet, even if he thought the worst of Jacob.
    She’d head for the market. Cole could use his special training to find her there. She set a brisk pace, her anger growing with every step.

Chapter Twelve
    Cole’s pulse raced at the slamming of the front door. Moments later, he left, sprinting through the courtyard in search of Emma, his duffel bag hanging loosely from his hand.
    Where had that irritating woman